There’s a fine line between being spontaneous and being disciplined.
Discipline often gets a bad rep for being restrictive, but in reality, it’s about creating a framework that allows you to thrive.
The truth is, a lot of us are more disciplined than we give ourselves credit for. And there are certain habits that can be a dead giveaway.
So, let’s dive into these 7 habits that show you’re probably more disciplined than you realize.
1) Early riser
There’s a reason why we often hear successful people raving about the virtues of waking up early.
Being an early riser is a habit that’s linked to discipline, and it’s more than just about beating the sunrise.
Consider this, when you wake up early, you’re making a conscious decision to prioritize your time. This means taking charge of your day before the world demands your attention.
It’s about creating a peaceful routine that sets the tone for the rest of your day. It’s choosing productivity over extra sleep. It’s deciding to have control over your day instead of letting the day control you.
2) Consistent exercise routine
Let me share a personal anecdote with you.
Two years ago, I decided to commit to a regular exercise routine. It was hard at first, and there were days when I really didn’t feel like getting off the couch.
But I stuck with it. I started small, just 15 minutes a day. Slowly, I increased the time and intensity. Now, I can’t imagine my day without my morning run or yoga session.
It’s not just about physical fitness, but mental strength too. Sticking to a consistent exercise routine, even when you don’t feel like it, is a clear sign of discipline.
So if you’ve been hitting the gym or going for that run regularly without fail, give yourself a pat on the back. Your determination to keep moving – that’s discipline in action!
3) Mental toughness and resilience
Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back from setbacks, it’s about pushing through them with a positive attitude.
It’s about having the mental toughness to face any challenge head-on and not let it derail your progress.
Let me give you an example. In my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“, I delve into the concept of resilience as the foundation of discipline. It’s about training your mind to handle stress and adversity effectively, much like how you would train your body at the gym.
If you’ve developed a habit of confronting challenges rather than avoiding them, if you find yourself staying calm in the face of adversity and bouncing back from failures quickly, then you’re demonstrating mental toughness. This is a crucial component of discipline.
And trust me, it’s not an easy habit to cultivate. It requires consistent effort and mindfulness. But once you’ve got it, it can be your secret weapon in achieving your goals – no matter how big they may be.
4) Embracing discomfort
There was a time when I would always opt for the easier path.
The one that offered less resistance, less discomfort. But then, I realized that this was holding me back from growing and achieving my full potential.
Embracing discomfort means stepping out of your comfort zone and challenging yourself. It’s about doing things that might scare you or make you feel uncomfortable because you know they will help you grow.
This could be anything from public speaking to trying new foods, or even pushing yourself to finish a difficult task at work. It’s about being okay with not being okay because you understand it’s part of the process.
If you’ve developed a habit of regularly stepping outside your comfort zone and embracing discomfort, then congratulations! You’re showing a high level of discipline.
After all, it’s much easier to stay in our cozy little comfort bubbles, isn’t it? But where’s the fun (and growth) in that?
5) Regular downtime
Alright, this one might sound a bit counter-intuitive.
But bear with me.
Discipline isn’t just about constantly pushing yourself and working hard. It’s also about recognizing when to take a step back and recharge.
Giving yourself regular downtime is crucial to maintaining long-term discipline. You see, discipline isn’t about burning out; it’s about sustainable, consistent effort.
If you’re someone who schedules in regular breaks or ‘me time’ into your day – be it for meditation, reading, or just a quiet cup of coffee – then you’re showing discipline.
Why? Because it demonstrates that you understand the value of your mental health and well-being. It shows that you know that to keep going, sometimes you need to stop and rest.
6) Goal-Oriented
Being disciplined often goes hand-in-hand with being goal-oriented.
This isn’t about just setting goals, but about diligently working towards them, no matter how small or large they might be.
Consider this – Do you have a habit of setting targets for yourself? More importantly, do you follow through with these goals, breaking them down into manageable tasks and consistently working on them?
If you’re nodding your head right now, then guess what? You’re showing discipline.
Being goal-oriented means having the foresight to plan for the future and the willpower to stick to that plan. It’s not easy, especially when distractions come calling, but that’s where discipline comes into play.
7) Accountability
Accountability is the cornerstone of discipline.
It’s about owning your actions, your mistakes, and your successes. It’s about understanding that you are the only one responsible for your choices and their outcomes.
It’s easy to point fingers when things go wrong. But owning up to your mistakes and learning from them? That takes courage and discipline. It’s the mark of someone who is committed to personal growth and improvement.
It’s about consistency
When it comes to discipline, it’s not about grand gestures or drastic changes. It’s about consistency.
It’s about those small, daily habits that might seem insignificant in isolation, but cumulatively, they build a solid foundation of discipline.
These habits, as we discussed, range from waking up early and sticking to an exercise routine, to embracing discomfort and holding yourself accountable.
In my book, “The Art of Resilience: A Practical Guide to Developing Mental Toughness“, I delve deeper into the idea of consistency and discipline, highlighting the importance of resilience in this journey.
If you’ve been practicing these habits, then you’re more disciplined than you realize. It’s not about being perfect all the time. It’s about consistently making choices that align with your goals and values.
Discipline isn’t a destination but a journey. And if you’re on this journey, you’re already on the right path. Keep going, keep growing. Your discipline is your strength.
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